Milking machine



Sept- 9, 1947. E. BQTHOMPSON rsnlu'.'l 2,427,312

IIILKING cams l Filed lay 31, 1945 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 mpson t i Sept-9, 1947 A E. B. THoMPsoN Erm. y 2,427,312

I'ILKING canna Filed lay 31, 1945 Sheets-Sheet 5 y ericl/Mssler Elmer ivompson Slept-.9 1947*. K E. B. THOMPSON ETAL 2,427,312

- IILKING ummm Filed lay 31, 1945 4 Sheets-SheetA hef-MMM Patented Sept. 9, 194'?i 2,427,312. MILKING MACHINE Elmer B. Thompson and Frederick A. Gessler, Des Moines, Iowa, assignors to Globe Milker, Inc., Des Moines, Iowa, a corporation of Illinois Application May 31, 1945, Serial No. 596,864

16 claims.

This invention relates generally to milking machines and in particular to a portable milking machine of pulsator type having a power unit carried on the milk receptacle.

An object of this invention is to provide an improved milking machine of portable type.

A further object of this invention is to pro vide a self-contained power unit adapted to be carried on a milk receptacle, having an air connection connectible with a teatcup, and including means providing for the preheating of the air supplied to the teatcup.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a power unit for a milking machine including an electrical motor, air distributing means for distributing air to a teatcup, and a suction pump, preassembled as a self-contained package and adapted to be supported on a milk receptacle, with the suction pump being located within and below the top level of the receptacle whereby to stabilize the power unit and milk receptacle assembly against tipping over.

A further object of this invention is to provide a power unit adapted to be carried on a milk receptacle, in which an electric motor and a suction pump are cooled by the air distributed to a usual teatcup of inflation type.

Another object of this invention is to provide a portable milker having a power unit, constituting a cover for a milk receptacle, which is mechanically sealed, light in Weight so as to be easily handled, and capable of operating eiiiciently over long periods of time with a minimum of attention.

A feature of this invention is found in the provision of a power unit, constituting a cover for a milk receptacle, including a housing for a rotary suction pump and an electrical motor. The housing has therein a first air chamber at a sub-atmospheric pressure, and a second air chamber at a substantially atmospheric pressure. An air distributor within the housing is operable by the motor to alternately connect the two air chambers with an air connection on the housing adapted t be connected with a teatcup.

Yet another feature of this invention is found in the provision of a power unit for a milking machine adapted to be supported on a milk receptacle in which an air distributor, for distributing air at alternately atmospheric and sub-atmospheric pressures to a teatcup connected with the power unit, is adapted to maintain the subatmospheric pressure at a substantially constant value.

Further'objects, features and advantages of following description when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 is a side elevational View of the power unit of this invention with certain parts removed and other parts shown in section for the purpose of clarity;

Fig. 2 is a side elevational View of the power unit looking towards the left in Fig. 1, and having certain parts removed to more clearly show its construction;

Fig. 3 is a plan view of the power unit with parts shown in section, and with the motor assembly and housing therefor removed to show an air distributing unit adapted to distribute air at alternately high and low pressures to a teatcup connected with the power Vunit;

Fig. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of the complete power unit taken substantially along the lines 4-4 in Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is a detail sectional View of a plug and socket connection taken on the line 5 5 in Fig. 4;

Fig. 6 is a transverse sectional view of the plug and socket connection shown in Fig. 5;

Fig. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary detail sectional view of the air distributing device shown in Fig. 3;

Fig. 8 is a sectional View taken on line 8-8 in Fig. '7; p

Fig. 9 is a sectional View of the air distributing device on the line 9-9 in Fig. 1;

Fig. 10 is a sectional view taken on the line lo-lo innig. 9;

Fig. 11 is a sectional view as seen on the line Il-H in Fig. 4, with parts broken away to.

more clearly show the construction of the armature in the motor forming part of the power unit of this invention; v Y

Fig. 12 is a detail sectional view taken on the line I2--l2 in Fig. 11;

Fig. 13 is an enlarged sectional view along the of this invention is shown in Figsyl and 4 as in- Y cluding anV electrical motor 20, anair distributing device 2l and a rotary suction pump 22 arranged l within a housing indicated generally as 23 and including the housing member 93. The power unit is adapted to rest on a milk receptacle or pail 24 and serves as a cover therefor, with the upper end of the housing 23 having a handle 25 by which the power unit may be carried about independently of the milk pail 24. The power unit is illustrated as a so-called double unit capable of milking two cows simultaneously and for this purpose is provided with a double set of air connections 21 and 21 and a pair of corresponding milk connections 28 and 28', respectively, connectible by suitable means with usual teatcups (not shown) of iniiation type. With the power unit supported on the pail and connected with the teatcups, the milking machine is operated by connecting the motor 2Q to a suitable source of electrical supply by means including a plug and socket connection 29.

Milking machines of the type including a pail supported power unit have been generally satisfactory in operation, but diihculties havebeen encountered in producing a power unit which is compact and light in weight, self-contained so as to be easily and readily cleaned for sanitation purposes, and capable of operating ei'iiciently over long periods of use. Although attempts have been made to overcome these diiiiculties, they have not been entirely successful,

In the power unit of this invention the housing 23 is of a generally cylindrical shape and comprised of a main or intermediate housing member 3|, a top housing member 31 and a bottom housing member 93. The main housing member di has an open top and a closed bottom wall 33 integrally formed with an annular outwardly extended iiange 33 (Fig. 4). Located centrally in the bottom wall 32 is a bearing 3G.

The top housing member 31, of a substantially dome shape, carries the handle 2B and has a bearing 39 at a position oppositely arranged from the bearing 33. A series of holes 35 are circularly arranged in the upper side of the housing member 31 and about the bearing 39 for admitting atmospheric air into the housing 23 for a purpose which will appear later. The openings or holes 35 are covered by a i'llter or screen Lil, and protected against falling dirt, moisture and the like by a shield member i2 which is supported in a spaced relation above the upper side of the top housing member 31. The adjacent ends of the housing members 3| and 31 are joined together by a field core 38 for the motor 2E! so that the core 38 serves as part of the housing 23.

The motor 2G is illustrated as being of split phase induction type and is located within the top housing member 31, and partially within the main housing member 3| and includes a iield winding 43a carried on the iield core 3S. A squirrel cage type rotor 3d is mounted on an upright motor shaft 43 which is rotatably supportedin the bearings 36 and 39.

The adjacent ends of the housing members 3| and 31 are formed with annular recesses or seats i6v to seat opposite sides ofthe field core 38 so that the outer peripheral surface of the field core is exposed between the members 3| and 31. Bolts 41 extended through the handle 2S, the top housing member 31 and the i'ield core 38 are threadable in tapped holes Lid provided in the top edge of the main housing member 3| whereby to clamp the field core 33 between the housing members 3| and 31.

The rotor or armature d!! (Figs. 4, 11 and l2) is of an open spider construction having spokes fio 49 angularly inclined relative to a transverse plane through the rotor to serve as vanes or impelling blades for moving air from the inlet holes 35 into the housing 23 and for circulating the air within the housing 23. Air from the inlet holes 35 is thus admitted into the housing memb-er 31 and then moveg1 through the spaces or air passages d5 between the spokes of the rotor iid into the main housing member 3|, so that the housing 23 constitutes a chamber for air at a substantially atmospheric pressure.

Positioned within the member Si of the housing 23 is the air distributing unit, indicated generally as 2|, which includes a body member of an irregular shape integrally formed with a geai casing iii at one end, and a cylindrical member 52 at its opposite end (Figs. 3 and 4). The gear casing '5| and cylindrical member 52 are joined together by a connecting member 53 of a substantially U-shape in cross section having its open side faced upwardly. The cylindrical mem ber 52 is extended outwardly from the main housing member 3i through a circular opening 3i in the wall of the housing member 3i and is provided adjacent its inner end with a iiange portion 56 of a contour corresponding to the curvature of the housing member wall adjacent the opening 5d. In other words, the flange portion 5S is of a shape adapted to plug or iill the opening Eid about the cylindrical member 52 to form a substantially continuous surface with the wall of the housing member 3|.

The lower side of the body member of the air distributing unit 2| is supported on the upper side of the lower wall 32 of the housing member 3| and is secured thereto by bolts 51 extended through a boss portion 53 on the lower end of the gear casing fil,y and by a bolt 59 extended through a boss portion @i on the connecting member 53. The bolts 51 and 59 are threadable in tapped holes in the upper side of the lower wall 32.

The motor shaft i3 is extended through the gear casing 5i and has a portion 62 within the Icasing 5| provided with worm teeth. Rotatably supported within the gear casing 5| and extended through the connection member 53 for rotatable support in the cylindrical member 52 is a rotary valve 63 having an integral head member Ell located in a concentrically spaced relation within a circular cavity 3 formed in the outer end of the cylindrical member 52. The head member Eid is adapted for seating engagement against the bottom side GQ of the cavity 6&5, Figs. 4 and 9.

A continuous air passage 63 is extended axially through the valve member @3 and radiallyV and then axially through the Vhead member Gil. The passage 63, therefore, has one end 61 open to the space within the housing 23 and its opposite end 55 open to the bottom side 69 of the cavity 56, which bottom side serves as a valve seat for the head member Sil. The cavity E56 is' closed by a cover member 1| so that the cover member 1| and the cavity E@ dene an air chamber within which the head member @il is located.

Mounted on the valve member 63 within the gear casing 5| is a worm gear 12 (Fig. '7) adapted for meshing engagement with the worm 62 on the motor shaft 53. Gear 12 is held against axial movement on the valve member 53 between bearing portions 18 integrally formed with the gear casing E tand is keyed at with the valve member 33 to provide for an axial movement of the valve member for a purpose to be later explained. The rotary valve member 53, and the motor shaft 43 are fluid sealed with the gear casing 5| to pro- 5 vide for a sealed lubrication' of the wormv E2 and gear '|2.

The cylindrical member 52 is formed with a plurality of air passages 'l5 (Figs. 4, 9 and 10) terminating at one end in the air connections 21 and at their opposite ends in the valve seat 69 in the'cavity or air chamber |56. The ends of the air passages 'l5 in the valve seat $9 are angularly spaced equal distances apart in a concentric relation about the axis of the rotary valve member 63, at positions radially outwardly from such axis to provide for their successive communication with the end 65 of the air passage 68 as the valve member S3 is rotated. The passage end 65 is of anl arcuate shape, and oppositely arranged therefrom and formed in the head member 64 isv an arcuate slot 'i5 which is open to the valve seall 65 and to the air chamber G. The arcuate end 65 of the air passage 68 and the arcuate slot 'i6 are of different angular lengths and provide for a predetermined timed communication of the air passages l with the space within the housing 23, and with the air chamber 66 for a purpose which will be later explained.

The cylindrical member 52 is also formed with an upright recess Tl located between oppositely arranged pairs of air connections 21 (Figs. 2, 9 and The milk connection 28 is of a substantially inverted L-shape having its longer leg i8 receivable in the upright recess 'll and extended vdownwardly through an opening 'I9 in the bottom wall 32 of the housing member 3l for uid communication with the milk receptacle 24. A block member 8l secured to the upper side of the cylindrical body member 52 by cap screws or the like 8| carries an adjustable screw 92 having its lower end in bearing engagement with the upper end oi the leg member 68 and adjustable to clamp the milk connection 28 against the top surface of the lower housing member 93 in a manner which will be described later.

It is seen, therefore, that the milk connection 28 is detachably connected with the cylindrical member 52 and readily removable from the upright recess on loosening of the adjustable screw 92, for cleaning purposes. The shorter leg 94 of the milk connection 28 is extended outwardly from the cylindrical member 52 in the same direction as the air connections Z'l, so that the air and milk connections on the power unit are compactly arranged over a relatively small surface on the housing 23.

rllhe air distributing unit 2| has been described thus far with respect to the four air connections 2l and the milk connection 28 adapted to provide for the milking of a single cow. To provide for the milking of two cows there is provided a cylindrical member 52', having the air connections 2' and the milk passage 23', previously mentioned,

which are similar in construction and relative assembly to the cylindrical body member 52, air connections 2 and milk connection 28 (Fig. 7). The cylindrical member 52' is oppositely arranged from the cylindrical member 52 and is secured to the bottom wall 32 of the housing member 3l by screw 59'. Integral with the cylindrical member 52 is a plate member 95 forming a wall of the gear casing 5| and having thevalve member 63 rotatably extended therethrough. A rotary valve member 63 is rotatably supported in the cylindrical member 52 and has a head member 64 located within an air charnber 66'. VThe rotary valve members 63 and 63 are in coaxial alignment and arranged with their inner ends' in an'axially spaced relation.

(Fig. 4).

Threadably supported on the inner ends of the Valve members 63 and 63 are spider members 99 and 99', respectively, connected together by extended bolts |0|l loosely projected through the legs or spokes of the spider 99' and threadable at one end in the legs of the spider member 99 (Figs. 7 and 8). Springs llll are mounted about the bolts |55 and arranged in compression between nuts |65 and the spider member 99 to yieldably urge the head members 54 and B4' against their respective seats E9 and 69', and provide for a movement of the head members 64' and 64 away from their corresponding seats for a purpose which will appear later. It is thus seen that the passages 68 and 68' in the rotary valve members 63 and 63', respectively, are open to the air space within the housing 23, and the members 63 and 3 are yieldably connected together by the spider and spring assembly to provide for their concurrent rotation through the worm E2 and gear 12. Air passages 'l5' in the cylindrical member 52 are associated with the air connections 2l' and head member (54' similar to the association of the air passages l5 with the air connections 2 and head member 64.

The air chamber $6 is connected throughan air passage |22 in the cylindrical member 52, with an inlet passage |813 for the rotary suction pump 22 The air chamber S6 is similarly connected with the pump inlet passage |93 by an air passage |02' in the cylindrical member 52' (Figs. 7 and 8).

The pump 22 is of a rotary eccentric type and comprises a cylindrical casing l U4 having a series of annular cooling ns IBG (Fig. 4). A top cover 'member llll and a bottom cover member |98 close the casing l (lil. A cylindrical piston |09, positioned within the casing |04 between the cover members l'l and |8, is supported on a bearing l lli eccentric relative to the motor shaft 43. The bearing is positioned between counterweights l l 2 and l I3, and is supported with the counterweights from the lower end of the shaft 43 by a screw i|2A threadable in the shaft which is projected through a centrally located opening in the top cover Ill'l. A

The pump 22 includes a rockable baiiie or partition member ||5 rockably movable across an air chamber Il'l integral with the pump casing lud (Fig. 13), to control the admission to and discharge of air from the pump. One end oi the rockabie member |l6 is in a ball and socket connection with the outer wall |l9 of the air chamber l1, while its opposite end is extended through an opening |2| in the casing lll@ and in a ball and socket connection with the piston ll. The chamber to the right of the rockable member llt, as viewed in Fig. 13, is in iluid communication through openings |22 in the chamber wall |25 with the pump inlet passage |23, while that portion of the chamber l l to the left of the rockable member IIB, as also viewed in Fig. 13, is connected through openings |23 in the top cover member |01, and in the bottom wall 32 of the housing member 3l with a pump outlet l2a formed in the housing 3l (Figs. l and 3). The pump outlet |24 is open to the atmosphere through holes |25 formed in a2 cover member |21 for the outlet |24. The entrance of the air passages |02 and |52' into the intake passage |3-of the pump 22 are indicated in dotted lines in Fig. 13, with the travel of the air from the passages H32 and |02' into the intake passage and intake side of the chamber l being indicated by arrows in Fig. 13; and the travelof the air from the outlet side oi the chamber ll'l and through the openings |23 and outlet |24 to the atmosphere being indicated by arrows in Fig. 1.

rEhe bottom housing member 93 is of a substantially inverted dome shape (Fig. 4) having a spherical lower end |3|, a straight side wall |32 adapted to fit in contact engagement with the outer extremities of the ns and forming an outer wall for the passage |03, and a laterally extended flange or top4 portion |33 formed with a marginal rim |34 of a substantially inverted U-shape. Adjacent the junction of the spherical portion |3| and the straight side wall |32 the housing member 93 is provided on its inner periphery with a series of angularly spaced inwardly projected lugs or extensions |35 (Figs. 13 and 14) having their lower sides |31 inclined upwardly in one direction. The lowermost iin on the casing |04, indicated as |05a in Figs. 4 and 14, is formed on its peripheral edge with a series of recesses or openings |38 arranged in an angularly spaced relation corresponding to the spaced relation of the lugs |35, and adapted to receive the lugs |35 therethrough. With the housing member 93 positioned over the pump 22 and the lugs |35 in alignment with the recesses |38, the lugs are movable upwardly through the recesses |33, as is clearly illustrated in Fig. 14, so that they are located above the top side of the lowermost fin IMA. On rotation of the housing 03 in one direction relative to the pump 22, thc lower sides |31 of the lugs |35 serve as cams adapted for riding engagement on the top side of the lowermost n la to support the housing 93 on the casing |04.

Concurrently with the support of the lugs |36 on the fin |06a the lateral flange portion |33 of the housing 53 is moved upwardly by the cam action of the lugs |35, into sealing engagement with an annular gasket |39 positioned in the lower side of the wall 32 of the housing member 3| in a concentrically spaced relation about the casing |04. It is thus seen that the housing member 33 is fluid sealed at the gasket |39 with the housing member 3| concurrently with its assembly with the pump casing |04, and forms in conjunction with the casing |04 the air inlet passage |03 for the pump 22 within which the cooling fins |05 are extended.

The housing member 93 is locked against rotation out o1" its supported position on the casing |04 by the provision of a tubular screw |4| (Figs. 13 and 15) which is threadable within tapped aligned openings formed in the outer wall ||9 of the chamber |1 to the intake side of the rockable member H6. The screw |4| also fluid connects the chamber I|1 with the milk pail 24V for a purpose to appear later.

Arranged within the substantially U-shaped peripheral edge |34 of the housing member S3 is a resilient vgasket |42 adapted to rest on the top peripheral rim |43 of the milk pail 24 to air seal the milk pail when the power unit is supported thereon, so that the member 93 constitutes a cover for the milk pail.

In the assembly of the power unit of this in vention, the air distributing unit 2| is initially assembled within the main housing member 3|. It is apparent, of course,'that the air connections 21 and 21, rand milk connections 28 and 23 are initially removed from the cylindrical members 52 and 52" so that these can be extended through the wall of the housing member 3l. The motor shaft 43, with the rotor 44 attached thereto, is then extended through the gear casing 5| and outwardly from the bottom Wall 32 of the housing member 3|. The motor eld 35 and housing member 31 are then relatively positioned and connected with the housing member 3| by the bolts 41. On completion of this assembly the pump piston |09 is connected with the bearing H5 and counter'weights ||2 and ||3 to the lower end of the shaft 43 after which the pump casing 0A and lower cover member |58 are arranged'in their relative assembly positions and secured to the underside of the wall 32 of the housing member 3| by screws |40, shown in Fig. 2, extended through a series of openings |40, shown in Fig. 13, formed in boss portions |41 angularly spaced about the outer periphery of the casing |04. The housing member 03 is then as sembled about the casing |05 in the mfanner above described.

With the bottom housing member 03 assembled with the pump casing |04, the air connections 21 and 21 are inserted within the outer ends of the air passages 15 and 15 in the cylindrical members 52 and 52', respectively, and the block members 8| and 3| providing for the detachable assembly of the milk connections 2S and 28 lare secured to their corresponding cylindrical members 52 and 52.

The milk connection 20 (Figs. 9 and 10) is asin the power unit by positioning its longer leg 18 within the recess 11 with its lower end. projected through aligned openings 10, |5| and |52 formed, respectively, in the wall member 3f.' in the lateral portion |33 of the housing member 53, and in an enlarged section of the gasket |35. A collar |53, spaced from the lower end of the leg 18, is receivable in the opening 'i0 for bearing engagement against the top side of the gasket |30. On tightening of the adjustable screw 52, therefore, the gasket |33 is clamped between the collar |53 and the flange portion |33 to provide for the connection 2S being firmly heid between the screw 52 and the flange portion |33. Further, the clamping action on the gasket |39 fluid. seals the milk connection 23 with the portion 32 of the housing member 3| and the flange portion |33.

To complete the assembly of the power unit, ia gasket |52 is inserted within the peripheral U- shape rim |34 of the bottom housing member 33. When the power unit is placed on the pail 24, the lower side of the gasket |42 rests on the top peripheral rim |43 of the pail 24 and is urged into a fluid sealing engagement with the rim by the weight of the power unit. By virtue of the relative assembly of the pump 22 and 'housing member 93 with the housing member 3|, it is seen that the pump 22 is located within the pail 2f!- substantially below the level of the pail rim |43. The overall height of the pail and power unit assembly is thus appreciably reduced to in turn lower the center of gravity of such assembly, whereby to increase the stabilization of the assembly against being tipped over.

In the operation of the power unit there is provided, for motor starting purposes, a centriiugal switch, indicated generally at |50 (Fig. e) including a terminal |55 connected by a conductor |50 with a main terminal |54 suitably carried in a socket |55 formed in the housing member 3| adjacent its bottom wall 32 and forming a part of the plug and socket connec tion 20. A second terminal |05, in the switch |50, is connected by a conductor |48 with a starting winding (not shown) forming a part of the motor eld winding 43a, with a conductor |50 connecting the starting winding with a second main termina-l I6Ij carried in theVV socket |56A adjacent to thev first main terminal |54. The field Winding 113ev is connected withK the main terminals |54 and |61- by conductors L62 and |63, respectively. The main terminals |54. andv by the vanes 49. of the motor rotor 44 intor that portion of the housing 23 located between the motor 2@ and the bottom wall- 3,2 of the housing member 3l. It is apparent, also, that the Vanes act to circulate the air within the housing members 3| and 3l. Movement of the air through the inlet holes 35 and rotor d is also effected by the action of the pump 22 which functions to exhaust air from the milk pail. 24 through the tubular locking member I--l, and from the air chambers 66 and 55 through the passages- |02 and |02. It is seen, therefore, that the air within the housing 23 is at a substantially atmospheric pressure, while the air within the chambers and S5 is at a sub-atmospheric pressure created by the pump 22.

On rotation of the rotary valve members 63 and 63', the air connections 2l and 21. are alternately connectedin succession with the air chambers {i and Sii', respectively, and with the atmospheric air within the housing 23, whereby to distribute air at alternately high and low pressures to the teatcups which are connected with the air connections 21 and- 21. Since air is continuously exhausted from the milk pail 24, a sub-atmospheric pressure is also4 produced in the milk connections 28 and 23', and in turn in the milk passages (not shown) which are connected between the connections 23 and 28 and their respective teatcups. It is thus apparent that for predetermined intervals of time the spacev within the housing 23 is connected with the pump inlet passage |93 through the air distributing unit 2| and air passages |92- and |02. Air from the passages i632l and HlZ' is distributed throughout the inlet passage m3 by the provision of openings H0 (Figs. 4 and 13) in the vanes |06. The suction action of the pump 22 thus supplements the action of the rotor 44v in moving air at a substantially atmospheric pressure from the housing inlet 35 through the motor 2l), into the distributing unit 2| and the teatcups connected with the power unit, and then into the air intake passage |03.

The pressure of the air in the chambers 65 and 66 is maintained against increasing above a pre determined pressure by virtue of the yieldable connection of the inner adjacent ends of the valve members 63 and 63 through the spiders 99 and 99', bolts I0@ and springs IDI. Thus should the pressure in the chamber E6', for eX- ample, be reduced below a pressure as determined by the pressure of the springs ll I, the head member 64" will be moved away from its corresponding seat 69', or to the` right as viewed in Fig. '7, against the action of the springs lill, whereby to admit atmospheric air from the passage 58' directly into the chamber- B. A similar movement of the head member 64, relative to its seat 10 69, willv take place in the event` the pressure of the air in the chamber E5' is reduced below a pressure as determined by the springs lill.

As indicated in dotted lines in Fig. 13, the air exhausted from theair chambers 66 and 6.6 into the air passages |02A and |62', respectively, is taken into the pump inlet passage H13 atposi-` tions angularly spaced from the inlet holes, |2 `2 leading into the pump intake side of the air chamber lll. The air distributed to the teatcups thus initially acts to cool the motor 20 by its passage through the rotor 44 and after leaving the teatcupsv acts further to cool. the pump by virtue of its directed travel through the air passage [E13 about anI appreciable portion of the periphery of the pump casing |04. The motor 2|)A is further cooled by radiation due to the eld winding 38k beingl exposed to the atmosphere between the adjacent ends oi thehousing members 3| and 3l.

lt is apparent, of course, that the atmospheric air passing through the motor 2|) and circulated in the housing 23 is heated bl'lih. motor. As a result, the air distributed by the distributing unit 2| to the teatcupis preheated. As is well known, cows are rather sensitive to the application on their teats of cold hands or cold teatcups, and, where they are unduly irritatedv fail to produce av desired milking, or, as is commonly referred to, fail to let their milk down. In the use of mechanical milkers, it is desirable. that the milkv ing operation simulate as closely as possible the feeding action of a calf. Generally, however, an unnatural feeling to the cow is produced by the positioning of the cold teatcups. on the teats and then distributing relatively cold` air to the teatcups during the milking operation,

By virtue of the air in the housing 2;3 being preheated by the motor 20, prior toits distribue tion to the teatcup, the teatcup is prevented from becoming cold and provides a relatively warm pleasant feeling to. the cow. This simulation of a natural milking of the cow aids the normal mechanical eiiiciency of the milking machine to y produce an overall quick and complete milking operation. In other words, control of the milk in a milking operation is essentially with the cow so that when the milking action takesplace in a pleasant and natural manner for the cow, the better are the milking results attained.

To further simulate a natural milking action, the rotary valve members 63 and 63,' are adapted to operate their respective teatcups in succession, that is, one teatcup at a time and in a sequential order. This manner of operating the teatcups is believed to be more pleasing to a cow than a simultaneous operation of all of the teatCupS..

From a consideration of the above description, it is seen that the invention provides a power unit for a milking machine which is of a compact and simple design, self-contained within a housing means having a peripheral surface which can be easily washed and kept clean. As a further aid to cleanliness and sanitation, the d ome shape portion 3| of the bottom housing member 93 prevents the power unit from being set in an upright position on a oor surface and thus discourages the machine operator from such action. Also, the power unit is assembled as a self-.coritained mechanically sealed unit. In other words, access to the motor 20 and air distributing unit 2| can be had only on removal of the bolts 4l which are substantially concealed within the housing 23 and in the handle 2Q. The head p01'-V tions of the belts 4l may be covered with a suitf 11 able filling material, which on being painted over eiectively hides the bolts 41 so as to discourage any tampering with the power unit. Likewise, the assembly of the lowerhousing member 93 aboutthe pump 22 reduces tampering with the pump, since the function of the air inlet Il to lock the housing 93 with the casing {04 is not readily apparent.

Although the power unit is mechanically sealed, all of its operating parts are efficiently coled by the utilization of the air distributed to the teatcups for cooling the motor and the pump 22. Since the air passed through the motor 20 for cooling purposes is heated by the motor, warm or preheated air is distributed to the teatcups at all times, and from the teatcups is passed about an appreciable portion of the periphery of the pump 22 to serve as a cooling agent for the pump. It is readily appreciated, of course, that the air thus admitted to the pump 22 for cooling purposes provides for a relatively high cooling eiiciency of the pump by virtue of the air being cooled in its travel to and from the teatcups.

The complete power unit is relatively light in weight and in one embodiment of the invention has an overall weight of about eighteen pounds. The unit, therefore, is easily handled by women and boys so that the milking chore is not restricted to the men members of a family. Further, the assemblyY of the pump from the underside of the wall 32 of the housing member 3i, in conjunction with the support of the power unit on the pail rim Y|1113 in substantially the plane of the lower wall member 32, provides for the location of the pump Z2 substantially below the level of the pail rim |43. This location of the pump 22 within the pail lowers the center of gravity of the power unit and milk pail assembly to stabilize such assembly against tipping movement,

Although the invention has been described with respect to a preferred embodiment thereof. it is to be understood that it is not to be so limited since changes and modifications can be made therein which are within the full intended scope of this invention as defined by the appended claims.

We claim:V

1. In a milking machine including a milk receptacle, a power unit constituting a cover for said receptacleand including a milk connection and an ,air connection adapted to be connected with a teatcup, milk passage meansconnecting said milk receptacle with said milk connection, a pair of air chamber in said power unit, a suction pump having an inlet portion fluid connectedwith one of said air chambers and with said receptacle to provide for a sub-atmospheric pressure in said one chamber, in said receptacle and in said milk connection, means for introducing air at a Vsubstantially atmospheric pressure into the other one of said air chambers,.an air distributing device for alternately fluid connecing said pair of chambers with said air connection, and an electrical motor for operating said pump and said air distributing device.

2. Ina milking machine including a milk receptacle, a power unit for covering said receptacle including a housing having a milk connection and an airconnection adapted to be connected with a teatcup, passage means fluid connecting said milk connection with said receptacle, a pair of air chambers in said housing, a suction pump carried on said housing having an inlet portion fluid connected with one of said air chambers and with said milk receptacle to provide for a sub-atmospheric pressure in said one air chamber and in said receptacle and milk passage means, an air distributing device for' fluidj conf' necting said pair of chambers in succession with?.l said air connection, an electrical motor' said-l housing for operating said air distributing device and pump, air passage means in said motor, andimeans for introducing atmospheric air into said.- housing for travel through said air passage means into the second one of said pair of air chambers.

3. In a milking machine having a milk receptacle, a power unit constituting a cover for said milk receptacle including a housing having a milk connection and an air connection adapted to be connected with a teatcup, a milk passage means in said housing connecting said receptacle with said milk connection, a first air chamber means in said housing having a sub-atmospheric pressure therein, a second air chamber means in said housing having a substantially atmospheric pressure therein, means for fluid connecting said two air chambers in succession with said air connection, a suction pump having an inlet portion constituting an air cooling passage for said pump, with said inlet portion being fluid connected withy said receptacle and with said milk passage means,y an electric motor for operating said pump and said fluid connecting means, an atmospheric air inlet for said housing, and air cooling passage means in said motor open at one end to said housing air inlet and at an opposite end to said'. second air chamber.

4. In a milking machine, a power unit includ-- ing a housing having an air connection adapted. to be connected with a teatcup, a first air cham-- ber in said housing having a sub-atmospheric pressure therein, a second air chamber at a substantially atmospheric pressure, a suction pump for eXhausing air from said first air chamber, an air distributing means for alternately fluid connecting said two air chambers with said air connection, an electric motor for operating said pump and said air distributing means, means for admitting atmospheric air into said second air chamber, and means for preheating the air admitted to said second air chamber.

5. In a milking machine, a power unit including in combination a housing, an electric motor in said housing having an air passage therein, a rst air' chamber in said housing having a subatmospheric pressure therein, a second air chamber in said housing at a substantially atmospheric pressure, an air connection on said housing adapted to be connected with a teatcup, and an air distributing means in said housing for alternately fluid connecting said two air chambers with said air connection, a suction pump connected with said rst air chamber, and an atmospheric air inlet in said housing fluid connected with one end of said air passage, with the opposite end of said air passage being open to said second air chamber, said atmospheric air, on passing through said air passage, acting to cool said motor and being heated thereby prior to its ow into said second air chamber.

6. In a milking machine having a milk receptacle, a power unit comprising a cover for said receptacle and including a housing, an electrical motor supported within and adjacent to the upper end of said housing, a vertical shaft for said motor rotatably supported in the opposite ends of said housing, a rotary air ldistributing means located in said housing below said electrical motor, means connecting said distributing means in a driven relation with said shaft, an air chamber in said housing having a sub-atmospheric pressure therein, said air distributing means having therein a flrst air kpassage with one end open to a substantially atmospheric air pressure, rand a second air passage with one end open to said air chamber, an air connection and a milk con nection on saidrhousing adapted to be connected with a teatcup, with theopposite ends of said-two passages being arranged so that on rotation of said distributing means said opposite ends are successively uid connected with said air connection, a milk passage means in said housing connected at one end with said milk connection and having its other end open to said milk receptacle, a suction pump supported from the bottom end of said housing, means connecting said pump with said shaft, and an inlet passage for said pump, fluid connected with said receptacle and with said air chamber.

7. In a milking machine, a power unit having an airl connection adapted to be connected with a teatcup, an air chamber having a sub-atmospheric pressure therein, a rotary air distributing means having therein a rst air passage open at one end to air at a substantially atmospheric pressure, and a second air passage open at one end to said air chamber, with the opposite ends of said two passages being arranged so that on rotation of said air distributing means, said opposite ends are fluid connected in succession with said air connection, a suction pump having an air passage extended about a portion thereof, heat conducting and radiating members on said pump projected within said pump air passage, air passage means connecting said air chamber with one end of said pump air passage, and an inlet for said pump open to the other end of said pump air passage, with the air passing through said pump passage acting to cool said pump, and an electric motor for operating said pump and said air distributing means.

8. In a milking machine having a milk receptacle, a power unit constituting a cover for said receptacle and including a `housing having an atmospheric air inlet, an air connection and a milk connection on said Vhousing adapted to be connected with a teatcup, an electric motor in said housing adjacent said inlet having a rotor of a construction adapted to move air through said inlet and into said housing, with the air moved by said rotor acting to cool said motor, an air chamber in said housing having a sub-atmospheric pressure therein, an air distributing device in said housing for alternately distributing air from within said housing and said air chamber to said air connection, means for driving said air distributing device from said motor, a milk passage means connecting said milk connection with said receptacle, and a suction pump driven by said motor having an air inlet, uid connected with said air chamber and with said receptacle.

9. In a milking machine having a milk receptacle, a power unit constituting a cover for said receptacle comprising a housing, an electric motor supported within and adjacent to the upper end of said housing having a vertically arranged shaft, means rotatably supporting said shaft in said housing, an air inlet in said housing concentrically positioned about the upper end of said shaft, a squirrel cage rotor for said motor having spokes of a construction to move air through said inlet into said housing, with said air acting to cool said motor and being heated thereby, an

air chamber i-n .said housing having a sub-atmospheric pressure therein, a milk connection and Yan air connection `on said housing adapted to be connected with a1teat'cup,.an air distributing device including a rotatable passaged member `for alternately distributing air from said housing and said air chamber to said air connection, means connecting said shaft with said rotatable member, a milk passage means connecting said milk connection with said receptacle, a rotary suction pump driven from said shaft, supported at the bottom end of said housing and positioned within said receptacle, an air passage means arranged about a portion of the periphery of said pump, an inlet for said pump open to one end of said air passage means, and means iiiiid kconnecting the other end of said passage means with said air chamber and with said receptacle, withthe air flowing through said air passage meansacting to cool said pump.

y10. In a milking machine having a milk receptacle, a power unit constituting a cover for said receptacle including a housing of a substantially cyiindrical shape, a suction pump arranged at the bottom of said housing having a casing of `a substantially cylindrical shape, an annular outwardly extended flange on said casing having a series of angularly spaced recesses in its periphery, an annular gasket member on the housing arranged in a spaced relation about the upu per end of said pump casing, a portion of said housing constitutingan enclosure for said pump casing having an open topxand an annular ilange extended radially outwardly from its upper end, and a series of angularly spaced projections on the inner .periphery of said enclosure having longitudinally sloped bottom sides, said projections, when the pump is positioned within said enclosure, being movable through said recesses and adapted, on rotational movement of said enclosure relative to said pump, to engage the top side of said pump casing flange whereby to move the .flange at the -upper end of said enclosure against said gasket member, withthe peripherial edge .portion of .said last mentioned flange being adapted to rest on the top rim of said receptacle so that the pump lis located within said receptacle,

11. .In a milking machine, a power unit including a housing having an air connection adapted to be connected with a teatcup, an air chamber in said housing having a sub-atmospheric pressure therein, means for introducing air at a substantially atmospheric pressure into said housing, an air distributing device for alternately distributing air from said housing and said air chamber to said air connection including a stationary member having a valve seat constituting a wall for said air chamber, with said stationary member having an air passage therein connected at one end with said air connection and having its other end terminating in said valve seat, a rotary valve member having a head portion located in said air chamber and adapted for seating engagement with said valve seat, and a stem portion rotatably supported in said stationary member, means for yieldably urging said stem portion in one direction to hold said valve seat and head portion in seating engagement, said stem portion and said head portion having a continuous air passage therein open at one end to the space in said housing and openat its opposite end to said valve seat, and said head portion having an air passage therein open to said air chamber and to said valve seat, with said other end of the stationary member air passage being positioned on said valve seat so as to be successively aligned with the two air passages in said rotary valve member on rotation thereof, and a suction pump for exhausting air from said air chamber, said head portion being movable away from said valve seat in response to the action thereon of a sub-atmospheric pressure in said air chamber greater than the pressure applied on said head portion by said yieldable means, whereby to communicate said air charnber with the atmospheric air in said housing through said continuous air passage to increase the air pressure in said air chamber.

12. In a milking machine, a power unit including a housing having an air connection adapted to be connected with a teatcup, a irst air chamber in said housing having a sub-atmospheric pressure therein, a second air chamber at a substantially atmospheric pressure, a pump for exhausting air from said rst chamber, an air distributing means for alternately fluid connecting said two chambers with said air connection, an electric motor for operating said pump and said air distributing means, with said pump, said air distributing means and said motor being arranged in substantially superposed positions within said housing, and means for admitting atmospheric air into said second chamber.

13. In a milking machine having a milk receptacle, a self-contained power unit constituting a cover for said milk receptacle including a housing having an air passage therein adapted to be connected with a teatcup, a motor having an upright shaft, means, including a pump, for

alternately supplying air at high and low pressures to said air passage, and means connecting said air supply means in a driven relation with said shaft, with said motor and air supply means being arranged in a superposed relation ywithin said housing.

14. In a milking machine having a milk-receiving receptacle, a self-contained power unit adapted to cover said receptacle to close the same, including an air passage and a, milk passage adapted to be connected with a teatcup, a motor, means for alternately distributing air at high and low pressures to said air passage, means for evacuating air from said milk passage and receptacle,

an upright cylindrical housing' for said motor,

air distributing means and air evacuating means, and means in said housing for connecting said air distributing means and air evacuating means for operation by said motor, with said air evacuating means being arranged within the lower end portion of said housing.

15.`A self-contained power unit for a milking machine having a milk receptacle, said unit constituting a cover for said receptacle and having an air passage and a milk passage therein adapted for connection with a, teatcup, means for evacuating air from said milk receptacle and milk passage, means for alternately distributing air at high and low pressures to said air passage,

a motor for operating said air evacuating and air distributing means, a housing, with said motor, air evacuating and air distributing means being arranged within said housing, power shafts for said motor and air evacuating means and means on said housing for supporting the power unit on said receptacle in a fluid sealed relation therewith, said motor and air evacuating means having their powerV shafts in upright positions when the cover is on said receptacle.

16. A self-contained power unit for a milking machine having a receptacle, including an air passage and a milk passage adapted for connection with a teatcup, a pump unit for evacuating air from said receptacle and milk passage, a unit for alternately distributing air at high and low pressures to said air passage, a motor unit for operating said pump and air distributing units, an upright substantially cylindrically shaped housing for enclosing said motor, pump and air distributing units, and means on said housing for supporting the power unit on said receptacle, with said housing being arranged substantially centrally of said supporting means.

ELMER B. THOMPSON. FREDERICK A. GESSLER.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNXTED STATES PATENTS France Jan, 7, 1933 

